Information processing device, information processing device control method, program, and information storage medium

ABSTRACT

To provide an information processing device capable of facilitating input by a user of a symbol, such as, e.g., a character, a mark (a symbol in a narrow sense), a pictogram (a pictorial symbol), and so forth. An area setting unit ( 72 ) sets a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in a screen image. A determination unit ( 76 ) determines whether or not a position pointed out by a user in the screen image is included in any of the plurality of areas. A symbol string obtaining unit ( 78 ) obtains a symbol string input by a user, based on the result of the determination by the determination unit ( 76 ). A process executing unit ( 80 ) carries out a process, based on the result of comparison between a reference symbol string and the symbol string input by a user. An area setting unit ( 72 ) sets the size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing device control method, a program, and an information storage medium.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known an information processing device for carrying out a process, based on a result of comparison between a reference symbol string and a symbol string input by a user. In the above, a “symbol” refers to a symbol in a broad sense, including, e.g., a character, a mark (a symbol in a narrow sense), a pictogram (a pictorial symbol), and so forth. A “symbol string” includes a symbol string comprising one symbol (that is, a single symbol). As the above described information processing device, there is known a game device (an information processing device) for performing a quiz game which progresses, based on a result of determination as to whether or not a character string (a symbol string) input by a user as an answer coincides with a correct answer (a reference symbol string). In the above described information processing device, in order to realize a user interface for a user to input a symbol string, a so-called software keyboard technique is employed. That is, a plurality of areas corresponding to respective symbols (or symbol groups) are set in a screen image, and a user points out an area corresponding to their desired symbol (or a symbol group to which their desired symbol belongs) to thereby input a symbol.

There is also known an information processing device for carrying out a process, based on a result of comparison between a reference option and an option selected by a user from among a plurality of options. For example, there is known a game device (an information processing device) for performing a quiz game which progresses, based on a result of determination as to whether or not an option selected by a user as an answer from among a plurality of options coincides with a correct answer (a reference option). In the above described information processing device, in order to realize a user interface for a user to select an option, a technique such as is described below is employed. That is, a plurality of areas corresponding to respective options (or option groups) are set in a screen image, and a user points out an area corresponding to their desired option (or an option group to which their desired option belongs) to thereby select an option.

Patent Document 1: JP 2006-55294 A

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

With the above described information processing device, there may occur a case in which a user cannot readily input a symbol or select an option. For example, in a case where a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols (or symbol groups) or options (or option groups) must be set in a relatively narrow screen image, the resultant set areas are small and located close to one another. As a result, a user may not be able to readily point out an area corresponding to their desired symbol (or a character group to which their desired symbol belongs) or option (or an option group to which their desired option belongs).

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing device, an information processing device control method, a program, and an information storage medium for facilitating inputting by a user of a symbol, such as, e.g., a character, marks (a symbol in a narrow sense), a pictogram (a pictorial symbol), and so forth, and selection of an option.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to achieve the above described objects, an information processing device according to the present invention comprises: reference symbol string storage means for storing a reference symbol string comprising one or more symbols; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; symbol string obtaining means for obtaining a symbol string input by the user, based on the result of the determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on the result of comparison between the reference symbol string and the symbol string obtained by the symbol string obtaining means, wherein the area setting means sets the size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.

Also, an information processing device control method according to the present invention comprises: a step of reading the content of reference symbol string storage means storing a reference symbol string comprising one or more symbols; an area setting step of setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in a screen image; a pointed position obtaining step of obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; a determination step of determining whether or not the position obtained at the pointed position obtaining step is included in any of the plurality of areas; a symbol string obtaining step of obtaining a symbol string input by the user, based on the result of the determination at the determination step; and a process executing step of executing a process, based on the result of comparison between the reference symbol string and the symbol string obtained at the symbol string obtaining step, wherein the area setting step includes a step of setting the size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.

Also, a program according to the present invention causes a computer, such as an installation type game device (a consumer game device), a portable game device, a commercial game device, a portable phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or the like, to function as: reference symbol string storage means for storing a reference symbol string comprising one or more symbols; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; symbol string obtaining means for obtaining a symbol string input by the user, based on the result of the determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on the result of comparison between the reference symbol string and the symbol string obtained by the symbol string obtaining means, wherein the area setting means sets the size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.

Also, an information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer readable information storage medium in which the above described program is recorded. Also, a program distribution device according to the present invention is a program distribution device having an information storage medium in which the above described program is recorded, for reading the program from the information storage medium and distributing the program. Also, a program distribution method according to the present invention is a program distribution method for reading the program from an information storage medium in which the above described program is recorded, and distributing the program.

Note that a “symbol” in this specification, claims, diagrams, and the abstract refers to a symbol in a broad sense, and includes, e.g., a character, a mark (a symbol in a narrow sense), a pictogram (a pictorial symbol), and so forth. A “symbol” may be, e.g., a static image or a motion image. A “symbol string” includes a symbol string comprising one symbol (that is a single symbol).

According to the present invention, a reference symbol string is stored. A plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups are set in a screen image, and whether or not a position pointed out by a user is included in any area is determined. Then, a symbol string input by a user is obtained, based on the result of the determination, and a process is carried out, based on the result of comparison between a reference symbol string and the symbol string input by the user. According to the present invention, the size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which a symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, is set larger than the size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong. According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate inputting by a user of a symbol, including, e.g., a character, a mark (a symbol in a narrow sense), a pictogram (a pictorial symbol), or the like.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the area setting means may include means for setting, in a case where a user inputs an n^(th) (n being an integer equal to or larger than one) symbol, the size of an area corresponding to the n^(th) symbol in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the n^(th) symbol in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to another symbol or an area corresponding to another symbol group.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the above described information processing device may further comprise dominant arm storage means for storing information indicating a dominant arm of a user, wherein the area setting means may include means for setting the size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong, based on the dominant arm of the user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the area setting means may include means for setting the size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong, based on the relationship between the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string, or the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, and a reference position in the screen image.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the area setting means may include means for updating positions of the plurality of areas, and means for setting the size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong, based on a past or future position of the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string or the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the symbol may include a character, the reference symbol string may be a reference character string comprising one or more characters, the area setting means may set a plurality of areas corresponding to characters or character groups in the screen image, and the symbol string obtaining means may obtain a character string input by a user, based on a result of determination by the determination means.

An information processing device according to the present invention may comprise: reference option storage means for storing a reference option; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; option determination means for determining an option selected by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on a result of comparison as to whether or not the reference option coincides with the option selected by the user, wherein the area setting means sets the size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong.

An information processing device control method according to the present invention comprises: a step of reading content of reference option storage means storing a reference option; an area setting step of setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in a screen image; a pointed position obtaining step of obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; a determination step of determining whether or not the position obtained at the pointed position obtaining step is included in any of the plurality of areas; an option determination step of determining an option selected by the user, based on a result of determination at the determination step; and a process executing step of executing a process, based on a result of comparison as to whether or not the reference option coincides with the option selected by the user, wherein the area setting step includes a step of setting the size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong.

A program according to the present invention causes a computer, such as an installation type game device (a consumer game device), a portable game device, a commercial game device, a portable phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or the like, to function as: reference option storage means for storing a reference option; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; option determination means for determining an option selected by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on a result of comparison as to whether or not the reference option coincides with the option selected by the user, wherein the area setting means sets the size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong.

Also, an information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer readable information storage medium in which the above described program is recorded. Also, a program distribution device according to the present invention is a program distribution device having an information storage medium in which the above described program is recorded, for reading the program from the information storage medium and distributing the program. Also, a program distribution method according to the present invention is a program distribution method for reading the program from an information storage medium in which the above described program is recorded, and distributing the program.

According to the present invention, a reference option is stored. A plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups are set in a screen image, and whether or not a position pointed to by a user is included in any of the plurality of areas is determined. Then, an option selected by the user is determined, based on the result of the determination, and a process is carried out, based on the result of comparison between the reference option and the option selected by the user. According to the present invention, the size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, is set larger than the size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong. According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate selection of an option by a user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the above described information processing device may further comprise: dominant arm storage means for storing information indicating a dominant arm of a user, wherein the area setting means may include means for setting the size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong, based on the dominant arm of the user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the area setting means may include means for setting the size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong, based on a relationship between a position of the area corresponding to the option which is the reference option, or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, and the reference position in the screen image.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the area setting means may include means for updating the positions of the plurality of areas; and means for setting the size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than the size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong, based on the past or future position of the area corresponding to the option which is the reference option or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing external appearance of a game device according to the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing external appearance of a game device according to the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware structure of a game device according to the first and second embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one example of an answer screen image in the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a game device according the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one example of a character key area;

FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining a method for setting a character key area larger than the basic size;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process to be carried out by a game device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process to be carried out by a game device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining an actual display area of a key image and a display area appearing to a user's eyes;

FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining one example of an answer screen image in the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a game device according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one example of an option area;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a process to be carried out by a game device according to the second embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overall structure of a program distribution system according to the embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, one example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail, based on the accompanying drawings. Specifically, a case in which the present invention is applied to a game device which is an embodiment of an information processing device will be described. More specifically, a case in which a portable game device is used to realize a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note, however, that a game device can be realized using, e.g., an installation type game device (a consumer game device), a commercial game device, a portable phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or the like, and that the present invention can be applied to an information processing device other than a game device.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 and 2 show external appearance of a game device 10 (a portable game device 12) according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a hardware structure of the game device 10 according to this embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the game device 10 viewed from the forward direction thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the game device 10 comprises a first enclosure 20 and a second enclosure 30, both connected to each other via a hinge 14. A touch screen 22, a cross button 24 c, and buttons 24 a, 24 b, 24 x, 24 y are provided on the surface 20 a of the first enclosure 20. The touch screen 22 has a first liquid crystal display unit 22 a and a touch panel 22 b placed on the first liquid crystal display unit 22 a (see FIG. 3). The cross button 24 c is used, e.g., in an operation for designating a direction, and the buttons 24 a, 24 b, 24 x, 24 y are used in various operations. A second liquid crystal display unit 32 is provided on the surface 30 a of the second enclosure 30. The second enclosure 30 incorporates a speaker 34.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the game device 10 in a folded position (with the surface 20 a of the first enclosure 20 placed on the surface 30 a of the second enclosure 30). As shown in FIG. 2, buttons 241, 24 r are formed on the left and right respective portions on the rear side lateral surface of the first enclosure 20, and a memory card slot 26 for accepting a game memory card 40, or an information storage medium, is formed at the middle portion on the rear side lateral surface of the first enclosure 20 (see FIG. 3). Other members (not shown), such as a power switch, and so forth, can be additionally provided to the game device 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game device 10 comprises the touch screen 22 (first liquid crystal display unit 22 a and touch panel 22 b), the operation keys 24, the memory card slot 26, the second liquid crystal display unit 32, the speaker 34, a bus 42, a microprocessor 44, a main memory 46, an image processing unit 48, an input output processing unit 50, a sound processing unit 52, and a communication interface 54. These components are accommodated in an enclosure together with a battery (not shown), and can be driven by the battery.

The microprocessor 44 controls the respective units of the game device 10, based on an operating system stored in a ROM (not shown) and/or a program and data stored in the game memory card 40. The main memory 46 includes, e.g., a RAM. A program read from the game memory card 40 is written, when necessary, into the main memory 46. The main memory 46 is used also as a working memory of the microprocessor 44. The bus 42 is used for exchanging address and data among the respective units of the game device 10. The microprocessor 44, the main memory 46, the image processing unit 48, and the input output processing unit 50 are mutually connected for data communication via the bus 42.

The first liquid crystal display unit 22 a and the second liquid crystal display unit 32 are publicly known liquid crystal display panels. The image processing unit 48 includes a VRAM, and renders an image into the VRAM according to an instruction from the microprocessor 44. An image rendered in the VRAM is displayed on the first liquid crystal display unit 22 a and the second liquid crystal display unit 32 at a predetermined time.

The input output processing unit 50 is an interface for the microprocessor 44 to exchange data with the touch panel 22 b, the operation keys 24, the memory card slot 26, the sound processing unit 52, and the communication interface 54. The touch panel 22 b, the operation keys 24, the memory card slot 26, the sound processing unit 52, and the communication interface 54 are connected to the input output processing unit 50.

The operation keys 24 are input means for a user to input an operation. The operation keys 24 include the cross button 24 c and the buttons 24 a, 24 b, 24 x, 24 y, 241, 24 r. The input output processing unit 50 scans the state of the respective units of the operation keys 24 in a constant cycle (e.g., every 1/60^(th) of a second), and sends an operating signal describing a scanning result to the microprocessor 44 via the bus 42. The microprocessor 44 determines the content of an operation carried out by a user, based on the operating signal. The touch panel 22 b is also an input means for a user to input an operation. The touch panel 22 b supplies pressed position information, in accordance with a position pressed by a user, to the microprocessor 44 via the input output processing unit 50. The microprocessor 44 determines the position pressed by a user, based on the pressed position information.

The memory card slot 26 reads a game program and game data recorded in the game memory card 40 according to an instruction from the microprocessor 44. The game memory card 40 comprises a ROM for storing a game program and game data and an EEPROM for storing game data, such as, e.g., saved data or the like. Note that although a game memory card 40 is used here to supply a game program and game data to the game device 10, any other information storage medium, such as an optical disk, or the like, may be used instead. Alternatively, a game program and game data may be supplied from a remote place to the game device 10 via a communication network, such as the Internet, or the like. Still alternatively, a game program and game data may be supplied to the game device 10, utilizing various data communication, such as infrared communication, and so forth.

The sound processing unit 52 includes a sound buffer, and outputs via the speaker 34 various sound data having been read from the game memory card 40 into the sound buffer. The communication interface 54 is an interface for connection to a communication network.

The game device 10 having the above-described structure carries out a quiz game. A quiz game is realized by executing a program stored in the game memory card 40.

In the quiz game, a question screen image with a quiz question shown therein is displayed on the second liquid crystal display unit 32, and an answer screen image for a user to input an answer to a quiz is displayed on the touch screen 22. FIG. 4 shows one example of the answer screen image. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of rectangular key images are shown in the answer screen image 60. That is, character keys 62, a delete key 64, and an OK key 66 are shown as key images. The respective key images are shown in the respective predetermined positions. An answer space 68 is also shown in the answer screen image 60. Note that although each of the shown key images is rectangular here, each key image may have a shape other than a rectangle (e.g., a circle). The key image (e.g., the character key 62) may be a static image or a motion image.

Each character key 62 corresponds to each alphabet character (a symbol), and has the same size. A user points out the respective character keys 62, using their own finger or a touch pen, to thereby input a character string (an answer to a quiz), and a character string input by the user appears in the answer space 68. The delete key 64 is a key to delete the last character of the character string shown in the answer space 68. The OK key 66 is a key to confirm the character string shown in the answer space 68 as an answer to a quiz. With the OK key 66 pointed out, whether or not the character string shown in the answer space 68 is a correct answer is determined.

In the following, a technique for facilitating inputting of an answer to a quiz by a user will be described.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing functions according to the present invention among those realized in the game device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the game device 10 comprises a game data storage unit 70, an area setting unit 72, a pointed position obtaining unit 74, a determination unit 76, a symbol string obtaining unit 78, and a process executing unit 80. These function blocks are realized by the game device 10 executing a program.

The game data storage unit 70 is realized, mainly using, e.g., the game memory card 40 or the main memory 46. The game data storage unit 70 stores various data concerning a quiz game. The game data storage unit 70 includes a reference symbol string storage unit 71 for storing a reference symbol string. In this embodiment, the reference symbol string storage unit 71 stores a plurality of quiz data items. Quiz data includes a character string presenting a quiz question and a character string presenting a correct answer to a quiz (hereinafter referred to as a “correct answer character string”). In this case, a correct answer character string corresponds to a “reference symbol string”.

The area setting unit 72 is realized, mainly using, e.g., the microprocessor 44 and the main memory 46. The area setting unit 72 sets a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols in a screen image. In this embodiment, the area setting unit 72 sets areas (hereinafter referred to as “key areas”) corresponding to key images in the answer screen image 60. FIG. 6 shows one example of a key area set in the answer screen image 60. As shown in FIG. 6, character key areas 82 corresponding to the character keys 62, a delete key area 84 corresponding to the delete key 64, and an OK key area 86 corresponding to the OK key 66 are set in the answer screen image 60 so as not to overlap on one another. When a position pointed out by a user is included in any key area, to be described later, it is determined that the key image corresponding to that key area is designated. Note that although the respective shown key areas are rectangular here, the respective key areas may have any shape other than a rectangle (e.g., a circle).

In principle, there is an invalid area 88 set between the respective key areas, which is not correlated to any key image. When the respective key areas are located close to one another, a user may erroneously point out a character next to their desired character. Regarding this point, in this embodiment, the presence of the invalid area 88 can prevent a user from erroneously pointing out a character next to their desired character.

In the state shown in FIG. 6, the respective character key areas 82 have the same predetermined size (hereinafter referred to as a “basic size”). The state shown in FIG. 6 will be hereinafter referred to as a “basic state”. In the basic state, for example, each character key area 82 coincides with the display area of the character key 62 corresponding to the character key area 82. That is, the basic size of the character key area 82 is the same as the size of the character key 62. Alternatively, the basic size of the character key area 82 may be set larger than the character key 62.

In particular, the area setting unit 72 in this embodiment sets the size of a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string larger than that of a character key area 82 corresponding to a character not included in the correct answer character string. For example, for a rectangular key area, the area setting unit 72 sets the sides (e.g., a longer side, a shorter side) of a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string longer, and for a circular key area, the area setting unit 72 sets the radius of a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string longer.

In this embodiment, the area setting unit 72 sets the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the first character of a correct answer character string to remain larger than the basic size during a period before a user inputs the first character. As a result, the character key area 82 corresponding to the first character of the correct answer character string is set larger than the character key areas 82 corresponding to the other characters. Assume a case in which a correct answer to a quiz is “SOCCER”. In this case, the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the first character (S) of the correct answer character string is set to remain larger than the basic size during a period before a user inputs the first character. As a result, the character key area 82 for “S” is set larger than that of the other character key areas 82. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining about the character key area 82 for “S” in this case. As shown in FIG. 7, at least a part of the invalid area 88 around the character key area 82 for “S” is set as apart of the character key area 82 for “S”. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the character key area 82 for “S” is expanded in the up, down, left, and right directions by an extent corresponding to the width of the invalid area 88 so that the invalid areas 88 between the character key area 82 for “S” and the character key areas 82 for “J” and “T”, respectively, located adjacent to “S”, are set as apart of the character key area 82 for “S”. In the above, the size of the character key 62 for “S” is not changed and remains in the original size.

Similarly, the area setting unit 72 sets the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character of a correct answer character string to remain larger than the basic size during the period after a user inputs the n^(th) character and before the user inputs the (n+1)^(th) character. Here again, assume a case in which the correct answer to a quiz is “SOCCER”. In this case, the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the third character (C) of the correct answer character string is set to remain larger than the basic size during the period after the user inputs the second character and before the user inputs the third character. That is, the character key area 82 for “C” is set larger than the other character key areas 82. Note that, the size of the character key 62 for “C” is not changed and remains in the original size.

The pointed position obtaining unit 74 is realized mainly using the microprocessor 44 and the touch panel 22 b. The pointed position obtaining unit 74 obtains a position pointed out by a user. For example, the pointed position obtaining unit 74 obtains a position pressed by a user, based on pressed position information output from the touch panel 22 b.

The determination unit 76 is realized mainly using the microprocessor 44. The determination unit 76 determines whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining unit 74 is included in any of the plurality of key areas set in the answer screen image 60.

The symbol string obtaining unit 78 is realized mainly using the microprocessor 44. The symbol string obtaining unit 78 obtains a symbol string input by a user, based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 76. In this embodiment, the symbol string obtaining unit 78 obtains a character string (an answer) input by a user, based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 76.

The process executing unit 80 is realized mainly using the microprocessor 44. The process executing unit 80 compares a correct answer character string stored in the reference symbol string storage unit 71 and a character string input by a user, and carries out a process, based on the result of the comparison.

In the following, a process to be carried out by the game device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 show a flowchart of a process to be carried out by the game device 10 according to the first embodiment. The microprocessor 44 carries out the process shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 according to a program stored in the game memory card 40.

As shown in FIG. 8, initially, the microprocessor 44 displays the question screen image on the second liquid crystal display unit 32 and the answer screen image 60 on the touch screen 22 (S101). Any of the plurality of quiz data items stored in the game memory card 40 is read, and a quiz question is shown in the question screen image. The microprocessor 44 initializes the variable n to 0 (S102). The variable n is used to count the number of characters input by a user.

Then, the microprocessor 44 (the area setting unit 72) resets the size of the respective key areas to the basic size (S103). Specifically, the key area data stored in the main memory 46 is initialized. Key area data refers to data concerning a respective key area. In this embodiment, as the key area is rectangular, each key area is specified by the coordinates (X, Y) of the upper left vertex and the lower right vertex. Accordingly, e.g., data indicating the coordinates of the upper left vertex and the lower right vertex of each key area is stored as key area data. Note that the XY coordinate system has the origin at the upper left vertex of the answer screen image 60, the X axis defined in the horizontal direction of the answer screen image 60 (the X axial positive direction in the rightward direction), and the Y axis defined in the vertical direction of the answer screen image 60 (the Y axial positive direction in the downward direction). At this step (S103), basic key area data corresponding to the basic state (see FIG. 6) is read from the game memory card 40 and stored in the main memory 46 as key area data. Note that alternatively, as each key area can be specified by the coordinates of one vertex (e.g., the upper left vertex) and the width and height, key area data may be data indicating the coordinates of one vertex (e.g., the upper left vertex) and the width and height of each key area.

Thereafter, the microprocessor 44 (the area setting unit 72) sets the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character of a correct answer character string for a quiz larger than the basic size (S104). At this step, the key area data is updated in the manner described below. Here, assume that the coordinates of the upper left vertex of the character key area 82, when the character key area 82 corresponds to the (n+1)^(th) character of a correct answer character string and has the basic size, are set as (X1, Y1) and those of the lower right vertex thereof are set as (X2, Y2). At this step, the coordinates of the upper left vertex of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character of the correct answer character string are changed to (X1−W, Y1−W), and those of the lower right vertex thereof are changed to (X2+W, Y2+W). Note that W is a predetermined value larger than 0 and equal to or smaller than the width of the invalid area 88. In this embodiment, W is set to a value equal to the width of the invalid area 88.

Through the process at this step (S104), the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th)character of the correct answer character string is set larger than the other character key areas 82 when a user is inputting the (n+1)^(th) character. This is, it is possible to ensure a state which facilitates the pointing out, by a user, of the (n+1) ^(th) character of a correct answer character string. Here, assume a case in which a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz inputs the first character. In this case, a need to set the character key areas 82 corresponding to the second and thereafter characters of the correct answer character string larger is low. Rather, if the character key areas 82 corresponding to the second and thereafter characters of the correct answer character string are set larger, such characters resultantly become available to be more readily pointed out by a user. This may increase a possibility of a user wishing to input the first character of the correct answer character string erroneously inputting the second or thereafter character of the correct answer character string. Regarding this point, in the game device 10, only a character key area 82 which is regarded as having a high need to be set larger, is set larger. This can resultantly prevent occurrence of such inconvenience.

After the process at 5104, the microprocessor 44 monitors whether or not a user has pressed the touch panel 22 b (S105). With the touch panel 22 b pressed, the microprocessor 44 (the pointed position obtaining unit 74) obtains the pressed position as a position pointed out by the user. Specifically, the coordinates of the above described XY coordinate system are obtained as a position pointed out by the user (a pressed position). Then, the microprocessor 44 (the determination unit 76) determines whether or not the position pointed out by the user (a pressed position) is included in any character key area 82 (S106).

If the position pointed out by the user is included in any character key area 82, the microprocessor 44 (the symbol string obtaining unit 78) additionally stores the character corresponding to that character key area 82 in the character string buffer (S107). In the character string buffer, the one or more characters pointed out by the user are stored in the order in which the one or more characters were pointed out. That is, a character string input by the user is stored in the character string buffer. Then, the microprocessor 44 adds one to the variable n (S108), and updates the answer space 68 in the answer screen image 60 (S109). That is, the character string stored in the character string buffer is shown in the answer space 68. Thereafter, the microprocessor 44 (the area setting unit 72) resets the size of the respective key areas to the basic size (S110). That is, similar to the process at S103, the key area data stored in the main memory 46 is overwritten by the basic key area data read from the game memory card 40.

Then, the microprocessor 44 determines whether or not the character string stored in the character string buffer coincides with the portion from the first to the n^(th) characters of the correct answer character string, with reference to the character string buffer (S111). If the character string stored in the character string buffer coincides with the portion from the first to the n^(th) characters of the correct answer character string, the microprocessor 44 (the area setting unit 72) sets the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character of the correct answer character string larger than the basic size (S104), and resumes monitoring to see whether or not the touch panel 22 b has been pressed (S105). Meanwhile, if the character string stored in the character string buffer does not coincide with the portion from the first to the n^(th) characters of the correct answer character string, the microprocessor 44 resumes, without carrying out the process at S104, monitoring to see whether or not the touch panel 22 b has been pressed (S105). In this case, all character key areas 82 remain in the basic size as the process at S104 is not carried out.

Through the processes at these steps (S104, S105, S111), the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character of the correct answer character string is set larger than the other character key areas 82 only when the character string stored in the character string buffer coincides with the portion from the first to the n^(th) characters of the correct answer character string. A case in which the character string stored in the character string buffer does not coincide with the portion from the first to the n^(th) characters of a correct answer character string refers to a case in which a user is inputting a character string different from the correct answer character string. In this case, a need to facilitate pointing out by a user of the (n+1)^(th)character of the correct answer character string is low. Rather, if the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character of the correct answer character string is set larger than the other character key areas 82, a user wishing to point out a different character may more likely point out the (n+1)^(th) character of the correct answer character string. Regarding this point, the game device 10 can prevent occurrence of such inconvenience.

With determination that the position pointed out by the user is included in neither character key area 82 (S106: N), the microprocessor 44 determines whether or not the position pointed out by the user (a pressed position) is included in the delete key area 84 (S112). If the position pointed out by the user is included in the delete key area 84, the microprocessor 44 deletes the character stored last from the character string buffer (S113), and subtracts one from the variable n (S114). Thereafter, a process similar to that which is carried out when the process at S108 is carried out, is carried out. That is, the answer space 68 in the answer screen image 60 is updated, and the character string stored in the character string buffer is shown in the answer space 68 (S109). The sizes of the respective key areas are reset to the basic size (5110). Then, whether or not the character string stored in the character string buffer coincides with the portion from the first to the n^(th) characters of the correct answer character string is determined (S111).

With determination that the position pointed out by the user is not included in the delete key area 84 (S112: N), the microprocessor 44 then determines whether or not the position pointed out by the user (a pressed position) is included in the OK key area 86 (S115). If the position pointed out by the user is included in the OK key area 86, the microprocessor 44 carries out a correct/wrong determination process (S116). That is, the microprocessor 44 determines whether or not the character string stored in the character string buffer (an answer input by a user) coincides with the correct answer character string, while referring to the character string buffer. If the character string stored in the character string buffer coincides with the correct answer character string, that is, if the answer by the user is correct, the microprocessor 44 (the process executing unit 80) may add, e.g., a point to the user's score. In this case, a different number of points may be added to the user's score, depending on the period of time needed by the user to answer. Meanwhile, if the character string stored in the character string buffer (an answer input by a user) does not coincide with the correct answer character string, that is, if the answer by the user is wrong, the microprocessor 44 adds no point to the user's score. Rather, the user's score may even be reduced. Alternatively, when the number of times a user answers wrongly reaches a predetermined number of times, the game may be set to be over.

Note that a case in which the position pointed out by the user is determined as not being included in the OK key area 86 (S115: N) refers to a case in which the position pointed out by the user (a pressed position) is not included in any key area. In this case, the microprocessor 44 resumes monitoring to see whether or not the touch panel 22 b has been pressed (S105).

According to the above described game device 10 in the first embodiment, a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string for a quiz is set larger than the other character key areas 82. This helps a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz (that is, a user going to input an answer which will be considered as a correct answer) to smoothly input the answer. Note that the size change does not make it easier for a user to conceive a correct answer since only the size of the character key area 82, which is invisible to a user's eyes, is changed, while the size of the character key 62 (a key image), which is visible to a user's eyes, remains unchanged. That is, the size change does not affect the difficulty of a quiz.

Alternatively, the size of the character key areas 82 of all characters included in a correct answer character string may be set to remain larger than the basic size, whichever character in the correct answer character string a user is inputting, during the period before completion of the user's inputting of the answer. This also helps a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz to smoothly input an answer.

For example, the game data storage unit 70 may store information indicating the dominant arm of a user. In setting a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string larger than a character key area 82 corresponding to a character not included in the correct answer character string, the area setting unit 72 may set a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string, based on the dominant arm of a user. That is, the area setting unit 72 may set a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string larger than a character key area 82 corresponding to a character not included in the correct answer character string, using a method in accordance with the dominant arm of a user. For example, a right-handed user is expected to more likely point out a right portion of a key area than a left portion thereof. Therefore, for a right-handed user, a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string may be expanded rightward (the X axial positive direction). For example, at S105 in FIG. 8, only the X coordinate of the lower right vertex of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character of the correct answer character string may be changed to (X2+W). Similarly, a left-handed user is expected to more likely point out a left portion of a key area than a right portion thereof. Therefore, for a left-handed user, a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string may be expanded leftward (the X axial negative direction). For example, at S105 in FIG. 8, only the X coordinate of the upper left vertex of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character of the correct answer character string may be changed to (X1−W). As described above, a manner of expanding a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string may be changed, based on the dominant arm of a user. In this manner, an arrangement for facilitating inputting of an answer to a quiz by a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz can be realized in consideration of the dominant arm of the user.

For example, in setting a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string larger than a character key area 82 corresponding to a character not included in the correct answer character string, the area setting unit 72 may set a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in the correct answer character string, based on the relationship between a reference position (e.g., the center point) in the screen image and the position of the character key area 82. That is, the area setting unit 72 may set a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string larger than a character key area 82 corresponding to a character not included in the correct answer character string, using a method in accordance with the relationship between the character key area 82 corresponding to the character included in the correct answer character string and a reference position in the screen image. That is, a manner of expanding the character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string may be changed, based on the relationship between a reference position (the center point) in the screen image and the position of the character key area 82.

FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining an actual display area of a key image and a display area thereof appearing to a user's eyes. In this embodiment, the touch panel 22 b is placed on the first liquid crystal display unit 22 a. When a user does not see the character key 62 from directly above, it is anticipated that the user may erroneously recognize the area 92 shown in FIG. 10 as the display area of the character key 62. As a result, a user wishing to point out the character key 62 may possibly point out the area 92 a, which is an area outside the actual display area 90 of the character key 62. Here, assume a case in which a user sees the answer screen image 60 from above the center of the answer screen image 60. In this case, the center point of the answer screen image 60 corresponds to the above-described “reference position”. In this case, the user resultantly sees a character key 62 (e.g., the character key 62 for “J”) located in a left portion of the answer screen image 60 from the upper right thereof. Accordingly, the user may possibly recognize an area right of the actual display area of the character key 62 as the display area of the character key 62. Similarly, the user may possibly recognize an area left of the actual display area of a character key 62 (e.g., the character key 62 for “R”) located in a right portion of the answer screen image 60 as the display area of the character key 62. Further, the user may possibly recognize an area above the actual display area of a character key 62 (e.g., the character key 62 for “W”) located in a lower portion of the answer screen image 60 as the display area of the character key 62. Still further, for a character key 62 located in an upper portion of the answer screen image 60, the user may possibly recognize an area lower than the actual display area of the character key 62 as the display area of the character key 62.

In view of the above, in the case where a character key area 82 of a character included in a correct answer character string is located, e.g., in a left portion of the answer screen image 60, the area setting unit 72 may expand the character key area 82 rightward (the X axial positive direction). For example, for the (n+1)^(th) character of a correct answer character string being “S”, only the X coordinate of the lower right vertex of the character key area 82 for “S” may be changed to (X2+W) at S105 in FIG. 8. Similarly, in the case where a character key area 82 of a character included in a correct answer character string is located in, e.g., a lower portion of the answer screen image 60, the area setting unit 72 may expand the character key area 82 upward (the Y axial negative direction). For example, for the (n+1)^(th) character of a correct answer character string being “V”, only the Y coordinate of the upper left vertex of the character key area 82 for “V” may be changed to (Y1−W) at S105 in FIG. 8. In the above described manner, an arrangement for smooth inputting of an answer to a quiz by a user having conceived a correct answer to the quiz can be realized in consideration of the positional relationship between the user's eyes (a reference point in a screen image) and the character key area 82 (the character key 62).

Further, for example, the key image may move within the answer screen image 60. With the above, in order to input an answer to a quiz, a user is required to point out a key image which is moving within the answer screen image 60. This can improve excitement in inputting an answer to a quiz.

According to this aspect, the area setting unit 72 updates the position of a key area such that the key area moves according to the movement of the key image. Further, the area setting unit 72 records a past position of a respective character key area 82 (or a character key 62). In setting a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string larger than the basic size, the area setting unit 72 sets the character key area 82, based on the past position of the character key area 82. Here, assume a case in which the character key area 82 for “A” is set larger than the basic size. In this case, for example, the area setting unit 72 sets as the character key area 82 for “A” all of the areas having been set as the character key area 82 for “A” during a period from a time a predetermined period ago to the current time. Further, in setting a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string larger than the basic size, the area setting unit 72 may anticipate a future position of the character key area 82, and set the character key area 82, based on the anticipated position. Here, assume a case in which the character key area 82 for “A” is set larger than the basic size. In this case, the area setting unit 72 anticipates an area which will be set as the character key area 82 for “A” during a period from the current time to a time with a predetermined period elapsed after the current time, and sets that area as the character key area 82 for “A”. Note that a future position of the character key area 82 is anticipated, based on, e.g., the past position of the character key area 82. In the case where the character key area 82 (the character key 62) moves along a predetermined trajectory, a future position of the character key area 82 is anticipated, based on the trajectory. In the above described manner, an arrangement for smooth inputting of an answer by a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz can be realized also with respect to a structure in which a key image moves within the answer screen image 60.

For example, a key image (hereinafter referred to as a “character group key”) corresponding to a character group to which a plurality of characters belong may be shown in the answer screen image 60, instead of the character key 62. Then, after a user has selected any character group key, character keys 62 of the characters belonging to the character group corresponding to that character group key may be shown in the answer screen image 60. In the above, the area setting unit 72 sets key areas (hereinafter referred to as a “character group key area”) corresponding to character group keys. Then, whether or not a position pointed out by a user is included in any character group key area is determined to thereby determine whether or not the user has pointed out a character group key. Further, a character string input by the user (an answer) is obtained, based on the result of the determination.

According to this aspect, when a user inputs, e.g., the n^(th) character, the area setting unit 72 sets the character group key area corresponding to the character group to which the n^(th) character of the correct answer character string belongs larger than the basic size. As a character group key area corresponding to a character group to which the n^(th) character of the correct answer character string does not belong is set in the basic size, the character group key area corresponding to the character group to which the n^(th) character of the correct answer character string belongs is resultantly set larger than the character group key area corresponding to the character group to which the n^(th) character of the correct answer character string does not belong. Note that in the answer screen image 60 after a user has pointed out the character group key of the character group to which the n^(th) character of a correct answer character string belongs, the area setting unit 72 sets the character key area 82 of the n^(th) character of the correct answer character string larger than the basic size. In this case, as the character key areas 82 of the other characters are set in the basic size, the character key area 82 of the n^(th) character of the correct answer character string is resultantly set larger than the other character key areas 82. In this manner as well, an arrangement for smooth inputting of an answer to a quiz by a user having conceived a correct answer to the quiz can be realized.

In the above, a case in which a correct answer to a quiz is a character string composed of one or more alphabet characters is described as an example. That is, a case in which a user inputs an alphabet character in the answer screen image 60 is described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case in which a correct answer to a quiz is a character string composed of a character other than an alphabet character, and also to a case in which a correct answer to a quiz is a symbol string composed of a mark (a symbol in a narrow sense), a pictogram (a pictorial symbol), and so forth, other than a character. That is, the present invention can be applied to a case in which a user inputs, e.g., a number, hiragana, katakana, Chinese character, a character of a language other than Japanese (i.e., Chinese, Korean, and so forth), a mark (a symbol in a narrow sense), a pictogram (a pictorial symbol), and so forth, in the answer screen image 60.

Second Embodiment

External appearance and a hardware structure of a game device according to this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 1 to FIG. 3), and is therefore not described here. A game device 10 according to this embodiment also carries out a quiz game, based on a program recorded in the game memory card 40. Note that a quiz game in this embodiment is one in which a user selects one of the plurality of options available, which the user thinks is a correct answer.

In this quiz game as well, a question screen image with a quiz question shown therein is displayed on the second liquid crystal display unit 32, and an answer screen image for a user to answer a quiz is displayed on the touch screen 22. FIG. 11 shows one example of the answer screen image. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of option images 62 a are shown in the answer screen image 60 a in this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 11, option images 62 a corresponding to nine options, namely, options A to I, are shown. A user selects any option (an option image 62 a) in the answer screen image 60 a to thereby answer a quiz. Note that although each of the shown option images 62 a is rectangular, each option image 62 a may have a shape other than rectangle (e.g., a circle). Each option image 62 a may be a static image or a motion image.

In the following, a technique for facilitating selection of an option by a user will be described.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing functions according to the present invention among those realized in the game device 10 according to the second embodiment. Note that a function block having the same function as that in the first embodiment is given a similar reference mark, and is not described here. As shown in FIG. 12, the game device 10 comprises the game data storage unit 70, an area setting unit 72 a, the pointed position obtaining unit 74, a determination unit 76 a, an option determination unit 78 a, and a process executing unit 80 a. These function blocks are realized by the game device 10 by executing a program.

The game data storage unit 70 includes a reference option storage unit 71 a for storing a reference option. In this embodiment, the reference option storage unit 71 a stores a plurality of quiz data items. Quiz data includes a character string presenting a quiz question, a plurality of options to be presented to a user, and an option presenting a correct answer to a quiz. In this case, an option which is a correct answer to a quiz corresponds to a “reference option”.

The area setting unit 72 a is realized mainly using, e.g., the microprocessor 44 and the main memory 46. The area setting unit 72 a sets a plurality of areas corresponding to options in a screen image. In this embodiment, the area setting unit 72 sets an area (hereinafter referred to as an “option area”) corresponding to each option in the answer screen image 60 a. FIG. 13 shows one example of option areas 82 a set in the answer screen image 60 a. If a position pointed out by a user is included in any option area 82 a, as will be described later, it is determined that the option corresponding to that option area 82 a is selected. Note that similar to the key area in the first embodiment, each option area 82 a may have any shape other than a rectangle (e.g., a circle). Similar to the first embodiment, in principle, there is an invalid area 88 set between the respective option areas 82 a. In the state shown in FIG. 13, the respective option areas 82 a are set in the same predetermined size (hereinafter referred to as a “basic size”). The state shown in FIG. 13 will be hereinafter referred to as a “basic state”. In the basic state, for example, each option area 82 a coincides with the display area of the option image 62 a corresponding to the option area 82 a.

In particular, the area setting unit 72 a in this embodiment sets the size of the option area 82 a corresponding to an option which is a correct answer (a correct answer option) larger than that of an option area 82 a corresponding to an option which is not the correct answer. Note that as a method for setting the size of the option area 82 a corresponding to a correct answer option larger than that of an option area 82 a corresponding to an option which is not the correct answer, a similar method to that which is used in the first embodiment to set the size of a character key area 82 corresponding to a character included in a correct answer character string larger than that of a character key area 82 corresponding to a character not included in the correct answer character string can be employed. For example, assume a case in which the correct answer to a quiz is an option G. In this case, the size of the option area 82 a corresponding to the option G is set larger than the basic size. As a result, the option area 82 a corresponding to the option G is set larger than that of the other option areas 82 a. In this case, similar to the character key area 82 for “S” in FIG. 7, at least a part of the invalid area 88 around the option area 82 a for the option G is set as a part of the option area 82 a for the option G. In the above, the size of the option image 62 a for the option G is not changed and remains in the original size.

The determination unit 76 a, the option determination unit 78 a, and the process executing unit 80 a are realized mainly using the microprocessor 44. The determination unit 76 a determines whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining unit 74 is included in any of the plurality of option areas 82 a set in the answer screen image 60 a. The option determination unit 78 a obtains an option selected by a user (an answer), based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 76 a. The process executing unit 80 a determines whether or not a correct answer option for a quiz coincides with the option selected by the user, and carries out a process based on the result of the determination.

In the following, a process to be carried out by the game device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a process to be carried out by the game device 10. The microprocessor 44 carries out the process shown in FIG. 14 according to a program stored in the game memory card 40.

As shown in FIG. 14, initially, the microprocessor 44 displays the question screen image on the second liquid crystal display unit 32 and the answer screen image 60 on the touch screen 22 (S201). Any of the plurality of quiz data items stored in the game memory card 40 is read, and a quiz question is shown in the question screen image. The microprocessor 44 (the area setting unit 72 a) resets the size of each option area 82 a to the basic size (S202). Specifically, the option area data stored in the main memory 46 is initialized. Option area data is data concerning each option area 82 a, being similar data to the key area data in the first embodiment. At this step (S202), basic option area data corresponding to the basic state (see FIG. 13) is read from the game memory card 40, and stored as option area data in the main memory 46.

Thereafter, the microprocessor 44 (the area setting unit 72 a) sets the size of the option area 82 a corresponding to a correct answer option for a quiz larger than the basic size (S203). The process at this step is carried out similar to the process for setting the size of the character key area 82 corresponding to the (n+1)^(th) character in a correct answer character string for a quiz larger than the basic size in the first embodiment (S104 in FIG. 8).

Thereafter, the microprocessor 44 monitors whether or not a user presses the touch panel 22 b (S204). With the touch panel 22 b pressed, the microprocessor 44 (the pointed position obtaining unit 74) obtains the pressed position as a position pointed out by the user, and the microprocessor 44 (the determination unit 76 a) determines whether or not the position pointed out by the user (a pressed position) is included in any option area 82 a (S205). If the position pointed out by the user is not included in any option area 82 a, the microprocessor 44 resumes monitoring to see whether or not the touch panel 22 b is pressed (S204). Meanwhile, if the position pointed out by the user is included in any option area 82 a, the microprocessor 44 (the option determination unit 78 a) determines that the option corresponding to that option area 82 a is selected by the user. Then, the microprocessor 44 carries out a correct/wrong determination process (S206). That is, the microprocessor 44 determines whether or not the option selected by the user coincides with the correct answer option. If the option selected by the user coincides with the correct answer option, the microprocessor 44 (the process executing unit 80 a) may add, e.g., a point to the user's score. Meanwhile, if the option selected by the user does not coincide with the correct answer option, the microprocessor 44 adds no point to the user's score.

According to the above described game device 10 in the second embodiment, the option area 82 a corresponding to a correct answer option for a quiz is set larger than the other option areas 82 a. As a result, a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz (i.e., a user going to input an answer which will be considered as a correct answer) can smoothly select an answer. Note that the size change does not make it easier for a user to conceive a correct answer as only the size of the option area 82 a, which is invisible to a user's eyes, is changed, while the size of the option image 62 a, which is visible to a user's eyes, remains unchanged. That is, the size change does not affect the difficulty of a quiz.

Note that similar to the key area in the first embodiment, the area setting unit 72 a may set the option area 82 a corresponding to a correct answer option larger than the other option areas 82 a, based on the dominant arm of a user. As described above, an arrangement for smooth inputting of an answer by a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz can be realized in consideration of the dominant arm of the user.

Similar to the key area in the first embodiment, the area setting unit 72 a may set the option area 82 a corresponding to a correct answer option larger than the other option areas 82 a, based on the relationship between the option area 82 a corresponding to the correct answer option and a reference position (e.g., the center point) in a screen image. In the above described manner, an arrangement for smooth inputting of an answer by a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz can be realized in consideration of the positional relationship between the user's eyes (a reference point in the screen image) and the option area 82 a (the option image 62 a).

Similar to the key image in the first embodiment, the option image 62 a may move within the answer screen image 60 a. With the above, similar to the key area in the first embodiment, the area setting unit 72 a updates the position of the option area 82 a such that the option area 82 a moves according to the movement of the option image 62 a. The area setting unit 72 a may set the option area 82 a corresponding to a correct answer option larger than the other option areas 82 a, based on a past or future position of the option area 82 a corresponding to the correct answer option. In the above described manner, an arrangement for smooth inputting of an answer by a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz can also be realized with respect to a structure in which the option image 62 a moves in the answer screen image 60 a.

Similar to the character and character group in the first embodiment, an image corresponding to an option group to which a plurality of options belong may be displayed in the answer screen image 60 a, instead of the option image 62 a. Then, after a user has selected an option group, the option images 62 a of the options belonging to that option group may be displayed in the answer screen image 60 a. According to this aspect, the area setting unit 72 a sets an area corresponding to a respective option group. Then, whether or not a position pointed out by the user is included in an area corresponding to any option group is determined, to thereby determine whether or not the user has selected an option group, and an option selected by the user (an answer) is determined, based on the result of the determination. Also, according to this aspect, the area setting unit 72 a sets the area corresponding to the option group to which a correct answer option belongs larger than the basic size. As a result, the area corresponding to the option group to which a correct answer option belongs is set larger than the size of the area corresponding to an option group to which the correct answer option does not belong. In this manner as well, an arrangement for smooth inputting of an answer by a user having conceived a correct answer to a quiz can be realized.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, an operation means for use by a user to point out a position in a screen image is not limited to the touch panel 22 b, and e.g., a game controller, a mouse, or the like, may be usable instead. For example, a cursor which moves according to an operation of the cross button 24 c may be shown in the answer screen image 60, 60 a so that a user can point out a key image (a key area), using the cross button 24 c.

For example, the present invention is applicable to a game device 10 for carrying out a game other than a quiz game. Further, the present invention is applicable to an information processing device other than a game device 10. The present invention is applicable to an information processing device for carrying out a process, based on a result of comparison between a symbol string (e.g., a character string) input by a user and a reference symbol string (e.g., a reference character string). According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an arrangement for facilitating input, by a user wishing to input a reference symbol string, of the symbol string. Further, the present invention is applicable to an information processing device for carrying out a process, based on a result of comparison between an option selected by a user and a reference option. According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an arrangement for facilitating selection, by a user wishing to select an option which is a reference option, of that option.

For example, although a program is supplied via the game memory card 40, or an information storage medium, to the game device 10 in the above description, a program may be distributed through a communication network to the game device 10. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overall structure of a program distribution system utilizing a communication network. A program distribution method according to the present invention will be described, based on FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, the program distribution system 100 comprises a program distribution device 108, a communication network 106, and a game device 10. The program distribution device 108 comprises a database 102 and a server 104. The communication network 106 includes, e.g., the Internet and/or a cable television network. In the system, a program similar to that which is stored in the game memory card 40 is stored in the database (an information storage medium) 102. When a demander requests program distribution, using the game device 10, the request is sent through the communication network 106 to the server 104, and the server 104, in response to the game distribution request, reads the program from the game database 102 and sends to the game device 10. Note that although a program is distributed in response to a program distribution request in the above, the server 104 may send a program one-sidedly. Program distribution through the communication network 106 as is described above makes it easier for a demander to obtain a program. 

1. An information processing device, comprising: reference symbol string storage means for storing a reference symbol string comprising one or more symbols; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; symbol string obtaining means for obtaining a symbol string input by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on a result of comparison between the reference symbol string and the symbol string obtained by the symbol string obtaining means, wherein the area setting means sets a size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.
 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the area setting means includes means for setting, in a case where the user inputs an n^(th) (n being an integer equal to or larger than one) symbol, a size of an area corresponding to the n^(th) symbol in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the n^(th) symbol in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to another symbol or an area corresponding to another symbol group.
 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising dominant arm storage means for storing information indicating a dominant art of the user, wherein the area setting means includes means for setting a size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong, based on the dominant arm of the user.
 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the area setting means includes means for setting a size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong, based on a relationship between the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string, or the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, and a reference position in the screen image.
 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the area setting means includes means for updating positions of the plurality of areas, and means for setting a size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong, based on a past or future position of the area corresponding to the symbol included in the reference symbol string or the area corresponding to the symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs.
 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the symbol includes a character, the reference symbol string is a reference character string comprising one or more characters, the area setting means sets a plurality of areas corresponding to characters or character groups in the screen image, and the symbol string obtaining means obtains a character string input by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means.
 7. An information processing device control method, comprising: a step of reading content of reference symbol string storage means storing a reference symbol string comprising one or more symbols; an area setting step of setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in a screen image; a pointed position obtaining step of obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; a determination step of determining whether or not the position obtained at the pointed position obtaining step is included in any of the plurality of areas; a symbol string obtaining step of obtaining a symbol string input by the user, based on a result of determination at the determination step; and a process executing step of executing a process, based on a result of comparison between the reference symbol string and the symbol string obtained at the symbol string obtaining step, wherein the area setting step includes a step of setting a size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.
 8. A program for causing a computer to function as: reference symbol string storage means for storing a reference symbol string comprising one or more symbols; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; symbol string obtaining means for obtaining a symbol string input by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on a result of comparison between the reference symbol string and the symbol string obtained by the symbol string obtaining means, wherein the area setting means sets a size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs larger, than a size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.
 9. A computer readable information storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as: reference symbol string storage means for storing a reference symbol string comprising one or more symbols; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to symbols or symbol groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; symbol string obtaining means for obtaining a symbol string input by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on a result of comparison between the reference symbol string and the symbol string obtained by the symbol string obtaining means, wherein the area setting means sets a size of an area corresponding to a symbol included in the reference symbol string, or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to a symbol not included in the reference symbol string or an area corresponding to a symbol group to which the symbol included in the reference symbol string does not belong.
 10. An information processing device, comprising: reference option storage means for storing a reference option; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; option determination means for determining an option selected by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on a result of comparison as to whether or not the reference option coincides with the option selected by the user, wherein the area setting means sets a size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong.
 11. The information processing device according to claim 10, further comprising dominant arm storage means for storing information indicating a dominant arm of the user, wherein the area setting means includes means for setting a size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong, based on the dominant arm of the user.
 12. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein the area setting means includes means for setting a size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong, based on a relationship between a position of the area corresponding to the option which is the reference option, or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, and a reference position in the screen image.
 13. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein the area setting means includes means for updating positions of the plurality of areas; and means for setting a size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong, based on a past or future position of the area corresponding to the option which is the reference option or the area corresponding to the option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs.
 14. An information processing device control method, comprising: a step of reading content of reference option storage means storing a reference option; an area setting step of setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in a screen image; a pointed position obtaining step of obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; a determination step of determining whether or not the position obtained at the pointed position obtaining step is included in any of the plurality of areas; an option determination step of determining an option selected by the user, based on a result of determination at the determination step; and a process executing step of executing a process, based on a result of comparison as to whether or not the reference option coincides with the option selected by the user, wherein the area setting step includes a step of setting a size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong.
 15. A program for causing a computer to function as: reference option storage means for storing a reference option; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; option determination means for determining an option selected by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on a result of comparison as to whether or not the reference option coincides with the option selected by the user, wherein the area setting means sets a size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong.
 16. A computer readable information storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as: reference option storage means for storing a reference option; area setting means for setting a plurality of areas corresponding to options or option groups in a screen image; pointed position obtaining means for obtaining a position pointed out by a user in the screen image; determination means for determining whether or not the position obtained by the pointed position obtaining means is included in any of the plurality of areas; option determination means for determining an option selected by the user, based on a result of determination by the determination means; and process executing means for executing a process, based on a result of comparison as to whether or not the reference option coincides with the option selected by the user, wherein the area setting means sets a size of an area corresponding to an option which is the reference option, or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option belongs, larger than a size of an area corresponding to an option which is not the reference option or an area corresponding to an option group to which the option which is the reference option does not belong. 